The 20 Filipino seafarers whose Panama-flagged vessel was intercepted with approximately 20 kilograms of cocaine at the Port of Lagos, Nigeria, have not been detained, Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac said Wednesday.

In a television interview, Cacdac confirmed that the DMW is coordinating with Philippine Ambassador to Nigeria Mersole Mellejor, who reported that the crew remains on board the vessel and is continuing their duties while being investigated by Nigerian authorities.

“All seafarers are still on board the ship. They’re still being investigated. None have been arrested thus far,” Cacdac said, adding that the crew cannot disembark because they are responsible for the “upkeep and seaworthiness” of the vessel.

He cited that no legal charges have been filed against the Filipinos as the investigation is ongoing.

Nigeria’s National Drug Law Enforcement Agency previously stated that the “top grade cocaine” found on the Panama-registered vessel was hidden beneath its cargo.

Cacdac took the opportunity to warn Filipino seafarers to strictly avoid illegal activities and syndicates, citing the severe risks involved.

“We need to remind our seafarers: you are there to do your work as seafarers… there’s no need to aspire or have a desire for more money through illegal means,” he said, referencing a past case where Filipino seafarers were convicted in South Korea this year.